Overview & Reviews

The Ford Expedition is a full-size sport-utility vehicle based on Ford's popular full-size pickup truck platform. With rear- or four-wheel drive and seating for as many as nine adults, the Expedition has long been on the short list of vehicle choices for full-size families as well as anyone who needs the combination of versatility and grunt provided by a large SUV.

Big, tall and heavy, the Ford Expedition is every inch a truck, its large body wrapped around a comfortable and spacious cabin. The latest generation of the Expedition doesn't feel as cumbersome to drive as its extravagant dimensions and hefty weight suggest, but you'll still be reminded of just how full-size the Expedition is at the gas pump. In many cases, a large crossover SUV would be a better new or used vehicle choice given the advantages in fuel economy, handling and comfort. And if you really need something big and tow-worthy, other traditional SUVs like the Chevy Suburban are also worth a look.

Current Ford Expedition
The current Ford Expedition is offered in two lengths -- standard and EL -- and three trim levels: XLT, Limited and King Ranch. The EL has a 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional overall length. The biggest reasons to consider the EL are the massive cargo space behind the third-row seat (more than twice that of the standard Expedition) and the longer rear doors that ease entry into the third row.

All Expeditions are powered by a 5.4-liter V8 that produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. As with most full-size SUVs, the Expedition is offered with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The well-equipped XLT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, Ford's voice-operated Sync system, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface and rear audio controls. Limited highlights include 20-inch polished wheels, a rearview camera, a power liftgate and a leather-lined, truly luxurious interior. The King Ranch adds special two-tone paint, unique wheels, upgraded leather upholstery and wood accents. Options include a load-leveling rear suspension, navigation, heated and cooled seats and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The Ford Expedition features fold-flat second-row seats as well as available power-folding third-row seatbacks that together create a wide, flat cargo floor. Families with infants will appreciate the sliding center position of the second-row seat, which can bring a child in a safety seat up to 11 inches closer to the front-seat passengers.

In reviews we've found Ford's full-size SUV pleasant to drive for a big SUV thanks to precise steering and a comfortable ride quality. In most situations, the 5.4-liter V8 provides decent performance. Take on a full load of passengers and cargo or hitch up a large trailer, however, and the engine's weakness becomes all too apparent. Shoppers who expect to regularly fill the cabin with passengers and/or tow heavy loads might want to consider the Ford's few rivals, which offer more available power.

Used Ford Expedition Models
The current, third-generation Ford Expedition is the product of a major refresh conducted for 2007. However, whereas previous-generation Expeditions could hold up to nine passengers, the current generation holds only eight, due to standard front bucket seats. Changes have been minimal; the most notable occurred for 2009 when the Expedition got Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system, and the following year, when trailer sway control was added.

The second-generation Ford Expedition was introduced for the 2003 model year. Compared to the current generation, the styling was different and a less stiff chassis resided underneath. Ride and handling were not as good, and the standard automatic transmission had only four gears. There were also fewer available features, including three-row side curtain airbags. However, compared to its predecessor, this Expedition was a vast improvement -- specifically in regards to driving dynamics, thanks to its independent rear suspension. It was also the first SUV to offer power fold-into-the-floor rear seats, a feature that its General Motors rivals wouldn't receive for more than a decade.

Engines for this second-generation model consisted of a 232-hp 4.6-liter V8 and a 260-hp 5.4-liter V8. For 2005, Ford dropped the smaller engine and increased the 5.4-liter V8's output to 300 hp. The model line eventually proliferated from four trim levels at its debut (including an off-road version called FX4) to six for 2006, including the opulent, western-themed King Ranch edition. Safety-minded shoppers should know that all years of this generation came with stability control, with tire-pressure monitors becoming available with the 2004 models.

In reviews, we thought this Expedition competed favorably with its contemporary competitors from General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. If there was one area of contention -- especially in pre-'05 models -- it was a lack of muscle. On the whole, though, this edition of Ford's big SUV provided solid handling for a vehicle of its size. It still felt like a big SUV, but the steering was decently weighted and body roll was well controlled around turns. The ride could be a tad harsh on rough roads, but overall, it was a comfortable cruiser.

Launched for the 1997 model year, the original Ford Expedition was met with heaps of praise. Its dimensions fell between those of the short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase versions of the GM sport-utilities at the time, enabling it to both accommodate a third-row seat and fit inside a normal garage, albeit tightly. With a front bench seat, it could carry up to nine passengers.

The first-generation Ford Expedition came in just two trim levels: XLT and the more luxurious, two-tone Eddie Bauer. Both featured interior architecture that was nearly identical to the F-Series pickup, which offered good ergonomics but was rendered in lamentable materials. Its 215-hp 4.6-liter and 230-hp 5.4-liter V8 engines also could not keep up with the stronger motors from its primary competitors, a deficiency that was addressed in 1999 with a horsepower bump for both engines, of 25 and 30, respectively.

User Reviews:

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  Better than expected - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By laurelmt - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2 at the same time. The Expidition was a choice of going bigger rather than smaller. Bought it new off the dealer lot, and had no problems with the truck. It has had a great towing history with no problems handling a trailer at the top of the load capacity. Never experienced any of the unstability that some people have claimed..However we drive is understanding it is a high 4WD TRUCK! We did however change all the fluids to synthetics and increased our fuel economy by over 2 miles to the gallon. With the 5.4 ltr that comes up to 16/21 average ratings.

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  Another Tranny Story - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Ford Phobic - June 28 - 2:00 am

  But this one used, had 27K miles on it. After racking up an additional 35K in less than two years, the transmission gave in and was replaced. Thank God we had an extended warranty! Hopefully we can go another 60K before it breaks down again.

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  Perfect SUV - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Charlie Tsaung - June 27 - 10:00 am

  When it comes to an SUV with luxuary. Than you need to check out the Ford Eddie Bauer Expedition. With the Power folding 3rd row seat and the space behind it gives you all the versitility that you need. Looking for an SUV Than check one of these out.

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  323playa XLT 5.4 is a great value - 1999 Ford Expedition
  By 323playa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 5.4 XLT is great value.So far so good with reliability. (knock on wood).I got all the E.B. features on mine with the running boards,fog lights leather, third row ect. Gas isnt the best but it is a big suv and gas prices are high.I heard if u remove third row seat you could save a mile per gallon.So far i am happy with my expo.It runs very strong.

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  Wish we got one sooner - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By rdgolden - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving to the larger vehicle wasnt as difficult as my wife and I expected. With 7 years experience driving a mini van she had no problems driving the Expedition around town or parking. The kids have plenty of room and the fold away back seat makes it easy to get groceries. During our Christmas trip to MI from Norfolk, VA we were caught in a blinding snow storm. The 2WD Expedition helped us feel secure and handled the extreme weather conditions very well. One thing I would maybe do over, "Get the larger engine." The 4.6 liter seems a bit weak at times. This may only seem a problem because I drive a 1986 F-250 351W, most of the time.

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  Excellent, but still missing - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Rebellion014220 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive but can get to ruff at times, the cabin is boring especially in the dash but the plastic is reliable and seems long lasting, it shows great power especially on freeways, and it puts speed in to your driving, the car is safe and large so theres nothing to worry about

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  My "comfort room" on wheels. - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By mstraub - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love to drive my 2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition... unfortunately, so does my wife so you know who spends most of the tiem behind the wheel.

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  Almost There!! - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Londont513 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The 03 Ford Expedition is awesome. I had a 00 Expedition Eddie bauer, but really liked the silver birch metallic XLT Premium. THe new headlights are definitely cool and the handling are very noticeable improvements. The new styling is also an improvement.

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  Expedition Transmission - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Bruce Thomas - June 4 - 2:00 am

  2 transmissions in 36000 miles. thank god for extended warranties. Otherwise the truck is great.

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  Big disapointment - 2003 Ford Expedition
  By Phil o - May 31 - 2:00 am

  After owning an Explorer for 10 yrs and loving it,I thought it was time to "move up" to an Expedition. Big mistake.The interior ceiling came loose,power window on drivers side went out,rubbing noise from left side of vehicle when making sharp turns,rough engine idle that Ford cant seem to fix,"buzzing" noise from stereo that the technitions at the dealership say is normal.This truck was definatly put together on a Friday afternoon.